Mitsubishi Outlander EV plugs in for Paris motor show

The body is based on the new Outlander, which debuted in July in Russia. It uses an electric system derived from the i-MiEV small car and other Mitsubishi vehicles.

The electric Outlander will operate in three modes: EV, series and parallel. EV mode uses only power from the rechargeable lithium-ion drive battery. In series mode, the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine operates as a generator; the system switches into that when the battery dips below a certain level. In parallel mode, both the battery and engine power the wheels.

The 12-kilowatt-hour battery has a cruising range of about 34 miles.

The Outlander also runs a twin-motor four-wheel-drive system with two electric motors, one for each axle. Mitsubishi says it delivers a better response and more control than conventional systems. It's comprised of fewer parts than a mechanical system and works with the company's all-wheel-control system.

Outlander sales are down about 20 percent in the United States from last year. The SUV will hit the streets of Japan in early 2013, and then spread to Europe, North America and other markets around the world.